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This weekend news surfaced relaying that Bellator had acquired Matt Riddle from Legacy FC, and today the Viacom promotion has confirmed it has signed the UFC veteran. According to a press release sent out by Bellator, Riddle has signed a “long-term promotional agreement” with the organization and will compete in its upcoming, Season 9 welterweight tournament.

“I had so many options after I left the UFC, but knowing that I was able to compete in a tournament against guys like Paul Daley, Ben Saunders, and Douglas Lima, signing with Bellator was an easy decision,” Riddle was quoted saying in a press release from the promotion. “This division is just so stacked, and being able to fight in a tournament makes it even better. Bellator is doing a lot of great things right now, and I want to be a part of it.”

Riddle handed Che Mills a split decision loss at UFC on FUEL TV 7 in February, but after testing positive for marijuana use, the bout was declared a no-contest. The positive test for marijuana was the second of Riddle’s career and the TUF vet was released by the UFC. The 27 year-old Riddle (7-3 2 NC) is reportedly licensed to use marijuana for medical purposes in the state of Nevada.

“Matt’s got all the tools to be a force in our welterweight division,” Bellator CEO Bjorna Rebney said. “When I saw Matt get released from the UFC coming off 4 straight wins including his dominant win over Mills in February, we took notice. We both realize that Matt will have a target on his back for his past indiscretions. But having discussed it with him, I’m comfortable that he’s in the right place to enter the Bellator cage this fall in what will be the most loaded Bellator Welterweight Tournament in the promotions history.”

Bellator’s Season 9 begins in September, after the promotion concludes its “Summer Series”, which begins June 19th.

Stay tuned to Full Contact Fighter for more Bellator news as it develops.